Act against illegal transportation of sand, granite: CS to officials

Amaravati: Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar directed the officials of revenue and mining departments to take measures to prevent illegal mining and transportation of sand and granite.

Addressing a review meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday, Dinesh Kumar said though the State government was implementing free sand policy for the benefit of people, illegal transportation of sand was continuing in a big way. “Officials have to explain on what measures they have taken to stop the illegal transportation,” he said.

The chief secretary also enquired whether the sand was available to people at the prices declared by the government. “We are receiving huge number of complaints across the state that the sand was being sold at exorbitant rates. Officials have to take stringent action against those persons who sale the sand at overprice,” he said.

The Chief Secretary also directed to cease vehicles involved in illegal transportation of sand and book criminal cases against the accused. He also suggested secretary of mines department Sreedhar not to spare any official if they are found involved in the illegal transportation of sand.

He also questioned official of mining department on illegal transportation of granite to neighbouring states and directed them to submit revenue details of granite mining.

Dinesh Kumar also directed excise officials to take stringent action against belt shops. Excise secretary D Sambasiva Rao told the chief secretary that 8,827 cases were booked, and 9,192 accused were arrested so far. He also said the department directed to close 265 wine shops as liquor was supplied from them to belt shops.